Review

Skype is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software that allows users to communicate using text chats, voice and even video calls with decent quality. This popular service, now owned by Microsoft, has replaced a classic instant messaging service: MSN Messenger. One of the main strengths of Skype is that it is available for a wide range of operating systems and devices.

This software is used by millions of people worldwide to get in touch with friends and family living abroad, either using its free services, or calling to landlines and mobile phones, although this requires buying Skype credit. However, you can make the most of this program without paying anything, as its free services are certainly good enough to fulfill most people's needs.

Communicate Everywhere

Skype offers a wide range of functions and built-in tools, which makes it one of the most complete cross-platform VoIP programs ever created. It brings new functions such as Facebook integration, which allows you to chat online with any FB friend using Skype. This feature can certainly save you time, as you can use your Facebook account instead of your Skype one.

Skype allows users to communicate using text chats, voice and even video calls with decent quality

Although video and voice calls are quite useful, Skype’s main function is instant messaging. You can communicate with other users with emoticons, share pictures and even new contacts, just by dragging them to the chat facility. You can also create chat groups with friends or coworkers, rename the group and set a picture for the chat room. Moreover, it comes with an option that allows you to create a chat group with up to 300 contacts, but the results of joining so many people together in the same chat room can be chaotic!

Skype also has other secondary (and useful) functions that are not shown in the main interface. For instance, there is a Screen Sharing function that can be used for remote support. It allows you to show what you have on your screen to other users in real time while Skype is still running. This software has plenty of settings that you can tweak in order to customize your experience. For instance, you can configure Skype to display notifications when a contact goes offline, or when it is someone’s birthday.

Features

Check out the features of Skype before you download it:

Instant messaging, voice and video conferences compatible with a wide range of mobile devices such as Smartphones or tablets

Facebook integration allows you to manage your account through Skype

Share files online with other users while you chat with them

Make calls to mobile phones or landlines using Skype credits

Import mail contacts from a Microsoft address book for instant communication with them